---
title: "Optimistic about Future of Marriage"
description: "Despite large changes in family structure and formation rates, the public maintains a strongly positive view about marriage and the family."
date: "2011-01-06"
authors:
  - name: "Russell Heimlich"
    job_title: "Former web developer"
    link: "https://www.pewresearch.org/staff/russell-heimlich/"
url: "https://www.pewresearch.org/short-reads/2011/01/06/optimistic-about-future-of-marriage/"
---

# Optimistic about Future of Marriage

In the midst of large changes in marital patterns and rates of formation, the public maintains a positive outlook about the future of the family. When asked if they feel generally optimistic or pessimistic about the institution of marriage and the family, 67% say they are optimistic, 27% are pessimistic and 6% are unsure. Respondents in a Pew Research survey were asked about the future of various dimensions of national life, in addition to the family — moral and ethical standards, the long-term soundness of our economic system, our ability to get along with other nations and our system of education. Family came out on top. A narrow majority expressed optimism about the ability of the United States to get along with other countries (56% optimistic). The public was much more evenly divided over the future prospects of the educational system, the economy, and morals and ethics. [Read More](https://www.pewresearch.org/pubs/1802/decline-marriage-rise-new-families)